I was there! Do I get a prize? Participation Medals...Winners and Losers?

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Mediocrity Olympics where everyone gets something for just showing up!
The games which originated in U. S. public schools some time ago have been banned in South Korea and Japan among other nations whose children are expected (pressured) to achieve in school and in life.
What do small nations know that we choose to ignore? Is it that mediocrity won't be tolerated or hard work pays dividends or that they are heartless bastards?

Since I mentioned the Olympic Games consider that after the 100 meter hurdles competition all contestants come onto the field and are awarded a T Shirt for running the race. Would that not diminish the achievement of the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners? Should they not also get the  "I participated in the Games and all I got was this lousy T Shirt" award? You certainly don't want them to feel left out.

The "No child left behind"  slogan must have been misinterpreted. It isn't about not hurting someone's feelings because they weren't recognized for...not being tardy or showing up to school. They are expected, if not required to do so. Who came up with this notion in the first place? Oh. Congress did. Not surprising. Link to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 included below.
(http://www.k12.wa.us/esea/NCLB.aspx)
I believe their intent was honorable but the bastardization of the original idea is crippling. I'm surprised the Combover Cheeto and his multimillionaire...billionaire minions populating his cabinet (more of a closet actually) haven't dumped this law too. Of course it doesn't affect their personal day to day business, so I doubt they've even heard of it. But don't get me started....


The cuckolded husband tells his soon to be ex  "...but I came home after work every day, paid all the bills and I never cheated on you." Fanfare! Here's your medal! She doesn't care. Those were the things she expected as a wife; however it doesn't mean she didn't look for a superior prospect elsewhere.
There is no harm in getting someone to strive to be better or to compete for the honors that have eluded them in the past (present example excluded of course).  The silver lining in this case is her "prospecting" reduces the chance of having to pay alimony or losing custody of the kids.

Children need to be taught to achieve in this life. Because one day they will turn around and wonder where in the hell the years went. Trust me. Even though hindsight is supposed to be 20/20, clarity can lead to regret. Become engaged with your kids now. Great things might be accomplished with a bit more effort and a little extra elbow grease. Inspire them. They will respond.